Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic: How a Master's in Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program Adapted Through the Modification of Existing Resources.

Abstract

ObjectiveOur aim was to describe the rapid adaption of a Master of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (MCLS) program to the abrupt suspension of classroom instruction and laboratory training at affiliated hospitals in compliance with the New York governor’s executive order in March 2020.MethodsTeaching modifications included greater emphasis on Zoom video conferencing, Media Lab assignments, independent self-study, and online testing.ResultsInstruction of academic coursework continued uninterrupted using previously established teaching modalities. Clinical training presented 2-fold concerns, credit hours needed for the master’s degree and clinical hours required for New York State licensing. The latter was delayed.ConclusionThe real-time need to deliver laboratory science education during a time of statewide closure was fulfilled using available teaching modalities. The resulting uninterrupted academic and clinical training ensured the education of the incoming workforce of our clinical laboratories. This teaching strategy may be considered during new curricula development in preparation for times of future crises.